Rescue Me, My Love

You Really Got Me!

     Baohu led Shandian Li to his table.  Mo Yuan was paying very close attention and so were Bai Qian and Ye Hua.  Ye Hua elbowed Mo Yuan and nodded toward the two.  "It seems Baohu likes a spicy woman too, Da ge!  I've heard the General's daughter is quite the little spit fire.  Not only is she beautiful, but a formidable warrior to boot.  JieJie, you would like her.  She admires you a lot."  "Oh really?  I'll try to meet her later then!"  They watched as an epic conversation unfolded.  Baohu brought forth two flasks of Zhe Yan's wine.  Bai Qian elbowed Mo Yuan.  He was watching with great interest and trying to talk to Ye Hua about mundane things.  He was rather surprised when both Baohu and his guest both downed their flask.  He produced another, and another, and another.  Mo Yuan was smirking to Ye Hua.  "I don't think that young girl knows about Baohu!  That Xiao Jin Huli drank fifteen flasks to my three.  This is going to be rich!"  It was quickly spreading around that High God Baohu could put down the liquor.  Bets were being made as each flask was brought forth.  Bai Qian couldn't believe her eyes.  They were on flask number eleven.  Shandian Li looked Baohu right in his golden eyes and drank away.  She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and grinned.  He decided enough peach wine.  He brought forth a flask of his Fuqin's strongest wine.  He sat one in front of her and one for himself.  He smiled and took a drink.  Wooh!  That was some strong liquor!!  She drained her flask.  He shrugged and drained his flask.  She put her chin in her hand and smiled.  "You have some really good wine, High God Baohu!  Did your Fuqin make it?  I've heard he makes excellent wine.  He's a man of many talents.  What about you?  Are you just a warrior or are you as complex as your Fuqin?"  "I guess you'll just have to find out, won't you?  Have dinner with me tonight.  We eat as a family at Kunlun.  I'll expect you there.  That is, of course, if you can still walk....."  "Are you talking to me?  Bring it on, War God!!" 
     The whole festival was watching the little competition with great interest.  It was a known fact that Mo Yuan had no tolerance for liquor.  They were very interested to see about the new war god.  Mo Yuan was watching with great interest.  He motioned for the general to be brought to his table.  General Kai bowed and asked, "you wanted to speak to me, High God Mo Yuan?"  "Tell me how your daughter developed such a high tolerance for liquor?  I find it to be rather refreshing!  Maybe she is a match to Baohu!  He has shown no interest in any one girl until today.  Tell me more about her!"  They talked as Fuqins would about their children and watched the spectacle unfolding before them.  "General Kai, I believe Baohu has just met his mate and match for life.  What do you think?"  "I agree.  Shandian has shown no interest in men until now.  I'm shocked and ecstatic at the same time!"  He lifted his cup towards Mo Yuan.  "Here's to our children!  May they find what they are looking for!"  Bai Qian was also watching her Xiao Jin Huli with great interest.  He was so grown up!!  Look at that little scamp drinking away like he has no bottom!  When flask fifteen was brought out, the whole assembly was waiting with baited breath to see who would survive it.  They eyed each other, both sighed and raised their flask.  Both emptied their flask and slammed them down on the table.  They faced each other, put chin in hand and grinned, and grinned, and grinned.  They both fell over at the same time.  Mo Yuan and Kai Yonggan Ke both looked at each other and nodded.  "Please bring your daughter to Kunlun tomorrow for lunch.  I wish for this little competition to go  into round two!"  "That will work out well because High God Baohu has called a meeting.  We will be there."   Mo Yuan stood and signaled Xue and JinDe.  General Kai bowed and went to retrieve his daughter.  He grinned and jumped her to their rooms. Xue took one look at Baohu and grinned.  Looks like that Xiao Huli met his match!!
     Xue got up and jumped Baohu to his room.  He took off his robes and left him on the bed.  He went to the kitchen to get Chang Shan to make sobering soup for him.  Xue was feeding him his third bowl when he groaned.  He opened his eyes and looked at his Da ge.  He put his hand over his eyes and tried to sit up.  "Easy there, God of War.  You just fought an epic battle and you need to recover!"  "That girl made me make a fool out of myself, didn't she?"  "If it makes you feel any better, she too, was taken home by her Fuqin.  He's coming to your meeting tomorrow and Fuqin told him to bring her.  Fuqin should be here soon, so I will let him elaborate.  Can you rise?"  "Yes, barely.  Did I just get drunk?  I must be slipping."  Bai Xue laughed loudly.  Baohu winced as the sound hit his sensitive fox ears.  "Fuqin should be here shortly.  He said he had something for you.  Now finish this soup so you can at least be sober when he gets here.  Meili is waiting for me.  Goodnight, my brave God of War!"  He stood and jumped home to his palace.  Baohu was washing his face in a basin when a knock came on his door.  "Enter."  "I see you have recovered nicely!  She was a very formidable opponent.  I assume you will see her tomorrow?  She's coming with her Fuqin to the meeting tomorrow but enough of that.  Come with me.  I have something for you."  Mo Yuan went out the door and led Baohu to the hallway where his own rooms are.  He passed his room and went down the hall to Ye Hua's old rooms.  A cover was on the door.  Mo Yuan turned and looked straight into Baohu's honey gold eyes.  "You are Bai Baohu Zhe, son of Mo Yuan, sunzi of Fuxi and newly named God of War.  It's now time for you to live like a prince heir and high god.  This is for you."  He removed the cover and Baohu saw the door with the beautiful image of a golden fox made of inlaid wood on the door.  "Go on, open it!"  Baohu opened the door and walked in.  He was flabbergasted.  He turned to look at his Fuqin.  "I had them built for you.  As you can see, you have a separate study, a meeting room and your own apartments.  I took the liberty of having a stand made for your armor and blades.  From now on, this is where you will live, High God Baohu!"  "Fuqin!  It's amazing!  Is it really mine?"  "Yes, my son.  It's yours!  As of tomorrow, I'm officially turning over my duties to you.  Die Feng will be your right hand man from now on.  The disciples will answer to you.  It's possible you might want to consider taking on more disciples.  This is your mountain now.  I will still reside here, but your mother and I will travel and possibly reside at our cabin on Mount Junji for a while.  I wish for you to train Junjie to be one of your commanders.  He's capable.  Just tell me, Baohu, what you desire for the future and I will try to make it so." 
     Baohu stood tall and looked his Fuqin in the eye.  "Fuqin, are you really going to leave the mountain?  I..I...I've never been without you around!  How will I ever be able to command?  I can't do it, Fuqin!  I can't!!"  He leaned his head on his Fuqin's shoulder.  Mo Yuan stroked the back of his head.  "Don't worry, my son.  I will be staying until all of my duties have been reassigned, you are confident in your post and these quads go through their trials.  I'm expecting it at any time.  Baohu, don't be afraid!  You're a grown man!  I wouldn't retire if I thought you couldn't do it!  Now, tell me what your fox senses told you about General Kai's daughter, Shandian Li.  Anything?"  A look came over Baohu's face and he let out a loud sigh.  "She lights my fire!"  "Oh, really?  Well she will be here tomorrow, so I will be watching you, you randy little fox!!"  "Fuqin!  I am not randy!  I just have a little fun now and then.  I'm a grown man!"  "Yes, I know!  I was your age once, you know!  Now rest well in your new room, High God Baohu!!  I'll see you in the morning!"  Baohu walked around his new room looking at all of his things.  His books, his stand for his blades, his armor, his bed.  He smiled to himself.  Yes, indeed, he was going to try his best!
     Baohu rose early the next morning.  He went to the hall for breakfast.  His Fuqin was not there.  He sat on the dais in a melancholy mood.  Die Feng sat on his right.  "High God Baohu, we are now here to serve you as our God of War.  Will you take on teaching some classes too?"  "Yes, I will teach some classes, but I will never be Shifu to any of you.  I just hope I am worthy."  "Your meeting is set for right before lunch.  Do you wish for Chang Shan to prepare lunch for your guests?"  "Yes, we will be eating in the dining hall.  See to it.  I will be in my study for now."  He ate no breakfast and left to go to his study.  He saw the barrier over his Fuqin's room.  First time in his life he's slept late unless he was injured or sick!  He went on to his study.  His desk had neatly stacked correspondence on it.  He sat down and read each one and answered them.  Chang Shan knocked.  "Enter."  "I brought you a tray and tea, Lord Baohu.  Would you need anything else?"  "Did Die Feng inform you of our lunch guests?"  "Yes, he did!  I will have everything ready.  No worries!"  "Chang Shan, in all of my years, I've never known you to be unprepared.  Please send Die Feng to me." A few moments passed and Die Feng knocked on the door.  "Enter."  "You sent for me, Lord Baohu?"  "Yes.  I want you to bring all of the applications for Kunlun School to me.  I want you and I to go over them.  Before you ask, I've already talked to Fuqin about it.  It was his suggestion.  I guess he thought there should be another generation of disciples.  What do you think?"  Die Feng grinned.  "I think it's the perfect start to your career.  Your mother, Shiqi, was the last one of us.  Shifu never took another.  Except you, of course.  I will bring them tomorrow morning.  Today is going to be rather busy for you!"  "Very well.  Come get me when all of the guests are here."  Die Feng bowed and left.  Another knock came on his door.  "Enter."  His Fuqin walked in the door.
     "Fuqin!  Would you care for tea?"  "Yes, please!  So how is it going for you this morning, Lord Baohu?"  "Fuqin, just what are all of my official titles?  You never told me."  "Hmmm, let's see!  High God Bai Baohu Zhe, God of War, Master of Kunlun Mountain, Master of Weaponry and Battle, Son of Mo Yuan, Sunzi of Fuxi, Prince of the Celestial Realm, Prince of Qing Qui and Sunzi of Bai Zhi Dijun.  That about covers it."  "I just needed to know so I can use them when I sign official documents."  "I see you're falling right into your routine.  That's good.  I'm going to have my last meeting with my disciples tomorrow morning.  After that, I will turn it over to you.  It felt nice to sleep in with your mother this morning!"  "I must admit, it felt weird eating breakfast sitting on your spot.  I guess I'll just have to get used to it!  Are you coming to my meeting today?  "No.  I want you to handle your own business without my opinion.  If you wish to talk afterward, I'm available.  If you don't need me then I'm going to spend the day pampering your mother.  She's feeling rather sick this morning!"  Mo Yuan stood, patted Baohu on the shoulder and left.  Baohu hung his head in thought for a moment and nodded.  He sat down at his desk and wrote messages to Xue and JinDe.  He had just finished his correspondence when a knock came to his door.  "Enter".  Xue and JinDe came in together.  They sat down and took a cup of tea.  "You called for us, Baohu?"  "Yes, I wanted both of you at my side today, plus I have questions for you.  Does it bother either one of you that Fuqin picked me to succeed him?"  Xue answered him first.  "Baohu, the moment I held you in my arms as a baby, I knew you were destined for greatness.  You are a very powerful deity.  I believe you are nearly as powerful as Fuqin.  I have my place in this world.  So my answer is no, it doesn't bother me."  "And you JinDe?"  "Baohu, I too, knew you were special.  You and Jinzi both.  He has nearly surpassed Zhe Yan as medicine king and his power is no less than yours.  You will make war, he will heal it.  My Xiao Jin Hulis have grown up!  Does it bother me?  No.  I have my place and I happen to like it.  I'm now teaching weaponry here.  I will continue to do so.  I will always be by your side, High God Baohu!"  "Thank you both very much.  I just want to start off on the right foot.  I wish for you both to be at my side today during our meeting.  How do you like my new room?"  "It's what you deserve, Baohu.  For years you put in the work none of us were willing to do.  This room is just your own reward for it.  Besides, JinDe and I both have our own palaces.  Now we must prepare for the meeting with the new god of war!"
     Die Feng came to his door and knocked.  "Enter".  "Lord Baohu, your guests have arrived."  "Make sure General Kai and his daughter sit close to me.  Go announce me then.  I'm right behind you."  Mo Yuan was behind an invisibility barrier.  He had decided he would watch Baohu closely to see how he would handle the situation.  Baohu stood and put on his frosty god face.  He stood straight in his Kunlun official robes and strode out the door.  He walked up to his dais to sit down.  All of his guests rose and bowed to him.  He motioned for them to sit.  "I have taken the liberty of having lunch prepared for you.  Please let's eat and we can discuss your questions as we eat."  He turned to his right to see Kai Shandian Li sitting there.  He looked at her and smiled.  "It's a pleasure to see you again,  Miss Kai.  After this meeting, I would like to take you on a tour of the mountain.  Are you agreeable?"  She smiled and sipped her tea.  "Yes I would!  I especially want to see your training grounds.  Will you show me?"  "Indeed, I will!  Now please enjoy the food Chang Shan has prepared."  Mo Yuan quietly cased the room and listened to the separate conversations.  He knew there was going to be dissension, but he wanted to see how Baohu would handle it.  As the meal progressed, many generals asked questions.  Many of them seemed satisfied with his answers.  One general asked him the question he didn't want to hear.  "High God Baohu, did you defeat your Fuqin in combat to take his place?  Are you as strong as he is?"  "No, I did not defeat him in combat.  I don't think there is anyone alive that can.  Am I as strong as him?  He says I am and I accept his word as law.  Fuqin never lies."  "If you couldn't defeat him, why should we follow you?" Dark clouds came over Baohu's face before he answered.  "I didn't say I couldn't, I said I didn't want to kill my own Fuqin.  That is the only way I could defeat him or he could defeat me.  Does that answer your question?  Fuqin didn't have to retire, he wanted to.  He's nearly 400,000 years old.  He deserves it.  Now don't ask another ignorant question.  We are here to discuss what I expect out of you.  If you question my ability, I will meet you in the training arena this afternoon!"  He told them what he expected and what his own duties were.  He stood up to walk off.  One general was still sitting down.  Baohu jumped behind him and grabbed him around the neck.  He growled in his ear.  "How dare you disrespect me!  From this day forward you will show me the same respect you would show my Fuqin or you will regret it!"  He threw him across the room where he promptly hit the wall.  He got on his knees and kowtowed.  "Forgive me, High God Baohu!  It won't happen again!"  Baohu looked into the eyes of everyone there.  Mo Yuan lowered his barrier and grinned. 
Shandian Li was head over heels!  What a man!!  Baohu walked over to her and her Fuqin.  "General Kai, if I may borrow your daughter for a while, I would like to show her the mountain."  "Be my guest, High God Baohu!  I shall be at the training arena when you need me."  Baohu held out his arm as an invitation.  Shandian Li accepted his arm and he led her to the back of the mountain into the peach grove.  They walked in silence until she stopped and turned toward him.  "High God Baohu.."  He put up his hand.  "Please!  Just call me Baohu."  "Alright then, Baohu!  You're the first man to drink me under the table.  Your fox is really beautiful too!  Would you like to see me?  It might surprise you!"  Baohu pulled her close and brought his lips right over hers.  His breath was blowing on her lips as he spoke.  "Would you be mine forever, Xiao Zhanshi?  I want to make you mine!"  He kissed her lips in a fierce embrace.  She put her hands on his chest and pushed back.  "Are you asking me to marry you?  That's the only way you get any of this!"  She transformed right in front of him.  She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen!  She was a beautiful white mare.  Her mane and tail were thick and flowing.  Her muscular body was beautiful and perfect.  She reared right in front of him and brought her nose down to sniff him.  He grinned, transformed and jumped on her back!  She took off in a slow canter as he stood on her back.  She neighed as if to laugh as she headed to the training ground.  Baohu was laughing his fox laugh as she kicked up her hind legs.  She burst onto the training grounds and reared with him on her back.  He jumped down and transformed.  She put her head down and he put his head against hers and rubbed her soft nose.  "Marry me, Li Li!"  She transformed and looked into his eyes.  They were standing there together when JinDe broke the ice.  "Ho, Xiao Jin Huli, when's the wedding?"  A cheer broke out over the training ground as Baohu tucked her arm into his and walked to the pavilion where her Fuqin was sitting talking to Mo Yuan.  "Fuqin, I have asked Kai Shandian Li to marry me.  Please negotiate with her Fuqin for me."  "For your information, we have been sitting here discussing the whole affair.  The wedding will be held here on October 5th.  You will have to wait until then.  So what do you say to that, God of War?"  "I say where's the wine?  This calls for a drink!!"